In response to threats of resignation from PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman took advantage of the situation to encourage the PA leader to do just that, go home. Liberman stated that “there simply is no one worse” adding “anyone would be better than he” in advancing agreement with Israel.

Lieberman accuses Abu Mazen of being overly concerned with his place in history while ignoring present realities, explaining from his perspective; he wants to be synonymous with the establishment of Palestine. Liberman however expresses concerns over such a reality, questioning who will take responsibility and who will ensure Israel that if such an event occurs, it will not entail rocket fire into Israeli areas including Kfar Saba and Herzliya.

Lieberman points out the UN bid for statehood; the unilateral PA move is stuck because at present, the PA is simply not ready for such a move, stating confidently they lack the required majority for Security Council approval. The foreign minister questions how the PA can speak of statehood when it hasn’t even managed to hold general elections.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)